what finish to use on a set of pistol grips?

[The Hippie]

I just made a set of grips for my 1911. however, im wondering what sort of finish i should put on them.
I was thinking about a varathane satin or semi gloss clear coat, to protect it.
or else i could just use some linseed oil.
what do you guys sugest?
the wood is oak if it makes any diferance, and id like to protect and seal it from the elements, but also leave it looking nice.

thanks,
Joe

oh, i wasnt sure where to put this thread, its not really gunsmithing, and it could aply to a rifle stock as well, so feel free to move this ware ever it belongs.
Joe

 

[Levi Garrett]

Tru-oil

 

[The Hippie]

is that like tung-oil?
and will it protect the wood?

Joe

 

[bluebell]

I used to use a boiled linseed oil / turpentine mix (2/3 oil and 1/3 turpentine). The application procedure is somewhat lengthy and tedious, although results are very good if done properly.
All that being said I now use Tru-oil or Tung oil. I prefer the look of Tung oil - not as glossy as Tru-oil. Both should give adequate protection on pistol grips.
Would like to see a pic when finished.

 

[David K]

.... Varathane produces an "oil finish" thats easy to apply, looks like, a genuine old style oil finish and is both durable and easy to touch up. Just don't buy anything but the smallest can, as a little goes a long, long way ! ..... David K.

 

[Teapot]

I did not make any out of wood but with paint I had bought to spray my CZ furniture I painted my Norinco stock plastic grips. I used three colours, black, tan and grey.
First I painted them entirely tan. Next came the grey sprayed from about twelve inches so as not to wholly cover the tan. Finally the grip panels were turned on their side and sprayed in such a way that only the one side of the diamonds were painted; rolling would have covered only the tops of the same which affect I did not want.

I had two pictures but they disappeared last night and wont stay when I post them, sorry.